Smart Cities for All at a Glance

Digital Inclusion and ICT Accessibility in Museums Survey Report 
G3ict in partnership with the Russian National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Russia) and Microsoft Russia launched the ‘Digital Inclusion and ICT Accessibility in Museums’ Survey to determine how Russian museums understand the importance of digital inclusion and accessibility of information and communication technologies (ICT), including identifying the most common barriers and means of overcoming them. The survey results show that the vast majority of respondents (97%) agrees that IT can enhance access to cultural life to persons with disabilities, are willing and ready to deploy IT in a museum to achieve this goal. However, they meet significant obstacles while moving to greater digital inclusion and ICT accessibility. The most significant are lack of funding (75%), lack of awareness regarding accessible technologies (43%), lack of digital inclusion strategy (32%). Some respondents also indicated lack of a business case for accessibility and inclusion (13%). The results of the survey confirm that museums in Russia are committed to achieving higher level of accessibility and inclusion but need training and support. Explore the key findings of the Digital Inclusion and ICT Accessibility in Museums Survey.

Inclusive Sidewalks: Microsoft’s Open Data Campaign Highlights G3ict Partnership with Taskar Center 
In 2020, Microsoft launched an Open Data Campaign aimed at closing the data divide. It has now published a report that reflects on the lessons learned and share progress made in empowering organizations of all sizes to share and leverage data for the benefit of society. This report recaps the tremendous progress the Open Data Campaign has made over the past year. It provides compelling examples of how bringing diverse datasets together can help researchers, organizations, and governments understand and confront problems that cannot be ignored. One of the key projects highlighted is the OpenSidewalks project that aims to empower disability communities by working with global cities to collect quantitative data about sidewalks—such as width, surface composition, steepness, and shared traffic—and provide applications to make use of this data. G3ict has recently partnered with the University of Washington Taskar Center for Accessible Technology and Microsoft to improve urban mobility and the accessibility of sidewalks in five cities across the Americas. The partners and cities will be formally announcing the new project in the coming weeks.

Inclusive Workplace of the Future survey 
G3ict and Steelcase are partnering to convene global experts and create a Blueprint for Inclusive Workplaces of the Future. The Blueprint will provide key stakeholders with valuable insights for designing and implementing workplaces that are not only safe and compelling, but also inclusive across different dimensions of diversity with a focus on persons with disabilities.
The first step of the project was the survey which provides valuable insights from a broad range of stakeholders that are critical to the project and the important work that follows to promote workplaces that are inclusive, safe, and compelling. Learn more about the Blueprint for Inclusive Workplaces of the Future.

IAAP and Fundación ONCE Announce Launch of the IAAP Chapter in Spain
The IAAP Spanish chapter will facilitate accessibility professionals to collaborate in equal access to both the built and digital environments. It will also assist in developing and advancing their careers by promoting and offering professional certificates, education, and opportunities for professional networking. Find out more about the Spanish Chapter.

IAAP European Union Refresh Webinar Series 2021
May 6-June 27
Susanna Laurin, Representative of International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) to the EU, moderates a 3-part webinar series with experts from around Europe. Join key players from policy, regulation, standardization, end user organizations, research, public private sectors, universities, and e-commerce. Register for the free webinar.

4th Australian Universal Design Conference: Thriving with Universal Design: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday
May 17-18, 2021
Centre for Universal Design Australia organizes the 4th Australian Universal Design Conference with this year’s theme being “Thriving with Universal Design: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday”. The theme provides opportunity for anyone working with or researching universal design and inclusive practice to contribute to this growing body of work. James Thurston, G3ict VP, will deliver the keynote presentation on Five Pillars of Inclusive Smart Cities. Find out more about the conference. 

IAAP Webinar on Built Environment Accessibility: The Role of Universal Design, Accessibility and Engagement of Persons with Disabilities towards Inclusive and Accessible Cities for All 
May 25
Join Hannes Juhlin Lagrelius (Program Officer, Global Program for Inclusive and Accessible Urban Development, World Blind Union) and Benjamin Dard (Senior Advisor for Inclusive and Accessible Urban Development, World Blind Union) as they  present the global mechanisms used, existing global policy frameworks and how accessibility is integrated, and outline good urban policy and design practices, and showcase classic policy and design mistakes sustaining or reinforcing accessibility barriers in the urban built environment. Find out more about the webinar on Inclusive and Accessible Cities.

M-Enabling Virtual Leadership Briefing
June 22, 2021
The 3^rd M-Enabling Virtual Leadership Briefing on June 22 will focus on Universities at the Forefront of Digital Inclusion. Participation is free and Captioning and Sign Language will be provided. Find out more about the next Virtual Leadership Briefing.